10 Things First Time Home-Buyers Should Do Before Making an Offer

1. Size up the Competition

Before faxing over that offer, you will have a higher chance of getting your offer accepted if you know ahead of time that you are in competition with other home buyers or if yours is the only one on the table.

2. Do Your Homework

Have your Realtor review comparable properties in the area and how much they sold for. You don’t want your offer to be the lowest in the batch.

3. Ask Questions

Ask your Realtor questions about the home, the neighborhood, if it’s a condo, foreclosures in the building, etc. Ask, ask, and ask again.

4. Know What You Are Buying

Before you decide you can’t live without this house, learn a little more about it. Are there schools near for the kids? What’s the area like at night? Does it get a lot of traffic or noise during a certain part of the day?

5. Be Proactive

If you see a neighbor, inquire about your potential neighborhood. View the surrounding stores, shopping, access to freeways. Does it work for your lifestyle?

6. Put Yourself in the Seller’s Shoes

If you were receiving an offer on your home, would you be open to paying all of the repair/upgrade costs or would you want the buyer to contribute?

7. Create a Checklist

Create a realistic list of what you can and cannot do without. For example, you must have a room for the kids, yet a den for watching sports or an island in the kitchen may be optional.

8. Learn the Context

If you are not in competition, the home has been sitting on the market for a long time and your offer is the only one on the table, then don’t feel like you have to go over asking price; you’ll be surprised, they may consider an offer that’s below what they were asking. If possible, have your Realtor do a little homework. Are the sellers upside down on their loan or do they have a specific amount they must net in order to sell? Are they moving out of state soon and are totally desperate? Answers to these questions are important when placing an offer

9. Know the Red Flags

Is there an uncooperative tenant in the house who refuses to leave. Don’t be surprised if after weeks and weeks of negotiating they are still there. Come up with a strategic incentive to encourage them to vacate.